What is the easiest way to learn Sanskrit?

Sanskrit or saṃskṛta as it is known in the written language means, “adorned, cultivated, purified”. The Deva-Vani language (‘Deva’ Gods – ‘Vani’ language) thought to have been composed by Lord Brahma, was passed on to the Rishis (sages) living in celestial abodes, who then communicated the same to their earthly disciples, from where it spread on earth. The written form of the language can be traced back to the 2nd millennium BCE, when the Rig Veda, a collection of sacred hymns, is thought to have been written after being passed down orally for centuries and preserved verbally in the Guru-Disciple relationship. The flamboyance of the text reflects the purity of this version (Vedic period, 1500–500 BCE) of Sanskrit.

• While kids’ learning is intensely structured, orderly and ‘textbook driven’; learning gains an entirely new ‘meaning’ and ‘way to learn’ as we grow up! We no longer learn from textbooks or give weekly tests to prove our learning. We adopt both roles, of a learner and a teacher to ensure we learn! Thus, we consciously watch our learning like a teacher and improve it for ourselves. We also indulge and opt for multiple ways to help us with our learning. Why? Because there isn’t ONE single universal way to learn everything! To be proficient in Sanskrit, we need to hunt for the best resources, from teachers to books, to online practise, and so on, because nothing is stacked up in one place for a learner to pick and walk off! 
• In reality, a learner doesn’t use just one, but multiple tools to arm themselves up for the various learning heads; from learning the grammar, perfecting your pronunciation, to building your vocabulary.
• Grammar is an intrinsic, unique element of each language, that frames rules for speaking and writing a language. It is the soul of a language and hence it’s not an easy thing to conquer! Thus it is never a good idea to start with the grammar of a language if you want to progress faster learning a language! You are likely to be thrown off-tangent trying to master a language if you choose to learn starting with its grammar because the results may not be encouraging enough for you to continue investing efforts! Especially when you’re slogging your way through verb endings and tenses! 
• Your first part of learning should be something that will quickly give you the confidence to start speaking and understanding a bit of Sanskrit. You don’t have to be perfect. You just need to get started and have some fun.
• Improve your listening skills with as many resources as you can find online such as audio clips, audiobooks,  to name a few! 
• Put YouTube to its best use and stream Sanskrit channels!
• Set realistic goals!
• Study consistently but don’t lead yourself to burnout!
• Identify your unique style of learning that helps you ace the language.
• Read aloud to clear your pronunciation 
• Find a conversation partner on HelloTalk, Tandem, iTalki to practice speaking with and seeking feedback.

• Don’t be scared to try and make mistakes. We all do it. Why let that deter or embarrass you?!
• Remember self-studying is NOT meant for everybody!
• Watch out for fake online Sanskrit learning tools!
• Sign up for an intensive course. It would really help you master Sanskrit!
• Restrict translating Sanskrit words/phrases into English to when you are just new! As you progress, move away from it consciously. 
• Avoid writing in your head.
• Use Spaced Repetition System apps like Anki and Memrise for flashcards.
• Learn basic phrases, connector words, conversation builders that will help you communicate and express yourself through smaller sentences.
• Maintain a journal of new phrases that will help you build your first conversation and not just interesting or complex words.
• Start by reading children’s storybooks. Children’s stories can be a great place to start trying to read in Sanskrit. Stories designed for children and young adults are likely to use simpler language and more straightforward ideas than texts designed for adults.
• Keep a Sanskrit dictionary handy.
• Prioritize. Start with spoken Sanskrit if the idea is to learn for chanting! 
• Choose commonly used words to start a conversation rather than tougher ones that don’t find a way into day-to-day usage!
• Try to link Sanskrit words/ phrases to images and visual situations, not words in your native language or English!
• Do study grammar with dedication.
• Study a language every day in short intervals or for about 2-4 hours, as much as you can spare. Studying regularly, for a short time, helps dramatically than trying to do it all in one sitting over weekends! 
• Practice without a blink. There’s no escape from practice and no shortcuts.  
• Engage in constant review to measure your progress – repetition is the key!
  

The magnanimity of the honorific language is evident with 250 words available to describe rainfall, 67 words to describe water, and 65 words to describe the earth, among other descriptions. It is also interesting to note that despite numerous different the sub-castes of Hinduism, and differences in their dialect, race, creed and rank, Sanskrit is collectively considered and accepted as the only sacred language giving rise to the only available sacred literature by all, even though India has a repository of 5000 spoken languages.

So what are you waiting for?

There’s an amazing new way to learn Sanskrit! Want to see what everyone’s talking about!

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